Step 16: The Insert: Finalizing The Back

Step 17: The Insert: Test and Suggestions

Before we can celebrate, test the insert with a game. Place the game inside. You may have to fix a few issues, but if you followed the instructions we...

As a game collector, nothing drives me crazy more than improperly stored game cartridges. Sega (generally) had hard plastic cases. NES/SNES games had cardboard boxes (which aren't the best for protecting the game), but they also had dust covers to protect the contacts. NES/SNES game holders are also relatively common place, and the NES even has individual cases for its games.

Unfortunately, the Nintendo 64 had neither of these things. While N64 storage cases exist, they tend to be rare, expensive, and bulky/ugly. Unless you were lucky/smart enough to keep your original boxes, storing these games was no fun task.

The problem with storing N64 games tends to stem form their slightly rounded shape. To combat this problem, I've made a template for making a cardstock insert. Why? Well a few reasons are:

The inserts have a rectangular shape, which makes storing them in tupperware/containers/boxes easier.

The inserts are also made to fit inside of the aforementioned NES game cases. Combined with some nice label work, it makes for the perfect individual N64 game case.

This method is a lot cheaper than buying Retroboxes, etc. especially if you already have the NES cases.

Step 1: Materials

To make these Nintendo 64 inserts, you will need the following materials:

Cardstock, 8 1/2" x 11" size.

If you are using NES cases, you will also need:

NES cases. The template I've included was made specifically for my former rental boxes. I've noticed that official Nintendo cases have some small extra pegs inside of them, so you may need to make some small incisions. These should not interfere with where the game sits.

Labels: I used some Avery shipping labels I found on clearance. You can easily use two 3" x 4" labels, carefully lined up for the cover. Also, a 1" x 4" label works great for the spine. Avery offers free online templates, making this a breeze.

You will also need the following tools:

A Printer. Scissors. An x-acto knife/scalpel. It is preferable to have both a sharp blade and a dull blade (explanation later). Glue. Tape (optional). Ruler.

ALWAYS USE CAUTION WHEN WORKING WITH KNIVES. WORK SAFE AND DON'T DO ANYTHING THAT FEELS UNCOMFORTABLE.

The problem with these, however, is that it is incredibly hard to print them off. The max size you can print them off at to fit NES cases is about 4" x 6", and at that size the rear of the artwork is barely legible. That's the reason I chose to go with the labels I did.